ACE: Aquatic Invasive Species Member - Amistad National Recreation Area
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Aquatic Invasive Species Member to dedicate 52 weeks in support of the Amistad National Recreation Area.
The main duties include educating our boating public about the aquatic invasive species that threaten this area, specifically zebra and quagga mussel prevention, along with a wide variety of biological science technician support projects. This opportunity is intended for conscientious, enthusiastic, individuals with an interest in developing their field skills in natural resource management, aquatic invasive species monitoring, and marine sciences.
Start Date: April, 2020
End Date: April, 2021* (or 52 weeks from start date)
* A 52-week commitment is required *
Location: Amistad National Recreation Area - Del Rio, TX.
An oasis in the desert, Amistad National Recreation Area consists of the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad, whose name comes from the Spanish word meaning friendship, is best known for excellent water-based recreation, camping, hiking, rock art viewing, and its rich cultural history. Amistad is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life above and below the water. Amistad National Recreation Area's natural features are primarily the result of two influences: geology and climate. The local flora and fauna has developed in response to these two factors. Despite Amistad's desert-like appearance, the park represents an interesting collection of plants and animals found at no other National Park Service site. Amistad National Recreation Area's flora contains elements from three major plant communities. This is due to our location in a transition zone between a more humid Gulf of Mexico-influenced climate, the drier Chihuahuan Desert, and the hills of the Edwards Plateau.
Project Website: For more information regarding the Amistad National Recreation Area, please visit their website at: https://www.nps.gov/amis/. For more information regarding American Conservation Experience, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Living Allowance: The ACE member will receive a living allowance of $520/week for food and incidental expenses, paid bi-weekly. ($70 of the living allowance has been earmarked for health insurance costs, but is included in the living allowance whether or not the member uses it for this purpose).
Housing: Housing expenses will be reimbursed up to $1,000 per month.
Position Description: This project will directly benefit the public through the protection of public water bodies. The main duties will include a wide variety of biological science technician support functions, such as:
- Performing boat inspections to gather data on biological threat of invasive species introductions via watercraft;
- Assisting with decontamination services to high-risk watercrafts;
- Collecting and organizing aquatic invasive field data;
- Installing, operating, and maintaining resource management equipment;
- Providing information to visitors and performing outreach at boat ramps to inform boating public of aquatic invasive species threat;
- Assisting with implementing scientific monitoring protocols for native species, invasive species and species of conservation concern. This includes, but is not limited to: Monarch Butterflies, Interior Least Terns and Zebra Mussels;
- Providing advice or assistance to other interns and volunteers;
- Preparing project and season reports.
Training: Member activities will be overseen and supervised by NPS staff to ensure compliance with current data protocols and ensure that clear, concise messages are given at boat ramps to the boating public and visitors. Training will be available on the following subjects: boat safety/trailer backing, border safety, defensive driving, FISSA, CPR, Arc GIS and Watercraft Inspection will be introduced and covered by the NPS.
Qualifications: Applicants for the position must hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, marine biology, botany, wildlife sciences, biology, natural resource management, environmental science, or related disciplines.
Required:
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner;
- Have the ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation;
- Demonstrate a proven ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group;
- Proficiency in English;
- Between the ages of 21 to 35 (This position's age limitations are a requirement of the Public Land Corps Act. Additionally, members must be 21+ to apply for an ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties);
- Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply;
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident;
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request);
- Willing to undergo and must pass a federal criminal background check;
- Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, with NPS resource professionals and their partners;
- Must be able to complete tasks well independently and on a team;
- Must have a deep interest in aquatic ecology/marine biology and a respect for nature.
Preferred:
- Basic spoken Spanish.
- Motorboat Operator Skills
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Recruitment Specialist, Jen Wells at (973)294-2766 or jwells@usaconservation.org
EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.